Moving to PBC in January, and not sure where to go. (West Palm Beach: rental, condo)

[TriMT7]

Funny how all the places recommended as "the good areas" are places I would NEVER consider living!

Give me east of 95, in a real neighborhood, with no HOA and walking distance to shops ANY DAY over the lifeless expanse of Western county.

I'm sorry, but 45th street to Haverhill isn't the ghetto. I think some people are waaaay too sensitive.

Schools may be a reason why people opt to go west or north, for whiter...err...better.... schools, but please, if you have any idea in your head that those of us who choose to live in the family neighborhoods of Lake Worth or WPB are scared of crime or victims of crime, erase that assumption. Just because you drive on the major roads through a town doesn't mean you have an idea of what it's like to live there.

Too each his own.

[skylinet]

I don't know if I'd consider Western County lifeless... You can't walk to it from this area, but Renaissance Commons to the East, and the 441 strip to the West aren't too far from this area. Lots of strip malls throughout too.
Tri has a point though, too each is own, come down and see for yourself. You should at least take a week down here and see what is going to work best for you.
West Lake Worth has a lot of good neighborhoods, and so does East. I'm not sure of the schools in East Lake Worth, but I've heard that Park Vista in West is supposed to be good. Theres at least a half a dozen nice areas out that way you could chose from. 1100 a month will be tough, but not impossible. When you are ready to buy in 6-12 months if you have a decent down payment you will be able to purchase something in that range in this area as well. (1200+ is a little more realistic for purchasing)
Every city including Jupiter, Gardens, Boca has bad areas to stay away from.

[capecodfamily]

Hi - we are moving to Wellington this coming summer (07/2010). We understand there are 2 high schools, Wellington High and Palm Beach Central High. Does where we live in Wellington determine which high school my kids will attend? Or can we decide which high school we like, enroll our kids and provide transportation? Just wondering...thanks for any help.

[Reedsmit]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Funny how all the places recommended as "the good areas" are places I would NEVER consider living!

Give me east of 95, in a real neighborhood, with no HOA and walking distance to shops ANY DAY over the lifeless expanse of Western county.

I'm sorry, but 45th street to Haverhill isn't the ghetto. I think some people are waaaay too sensitive.

Schools may be a reason why people opt to go west or north, for whiter...err...better.... schools, but please, if you have any idea in your head that those of us who choose to live in the family neighborhoods of Lake Worth or WPB are scared of crime or victims of crime, erase that assumption. Just because you drive on the major roads through a town doesn't mean you have an idea of what it's like to live there.

Too each his own.

No one said it was the getto. We were talking about crime. Two men trimming trees about a week ago were shot at Haverhill & Jog. One died. There was also a murder at 45th St. & Military.
The Red Roof Inn on 45th & 95 was robbed by gun point a few months back.

So if you feel the area is safe that is fine with me. I think there is a problem and WOULD NOT suggest that someone unfamiliar with things move there.

[MoItaly]

Sounds to me like some people talk more based on "heard saying" than on real experience.

Now, beside the fact that Palm Beach County in general is a tough area, there's plenty of places to consider.

The poster said he wants to be somewhere in the middle of the County, somewhere near the beach. And he doesn't want to spend a lot of money on rent.
An area that comes to mind is the West Palm Beach area from 30th st to 50th st. East of Broadway obviously better. There are plenty of old houses that have been remodeled and are being rented out. The area is close to downtown, close to beach and generally safe. Zip code is 33407.

Another area, which was mentioned by someone is the Village off Village Boulevard, even closer to downtown, still close to beach. Prices to rent should be reasonable there.

I would also consider some areas in the 33405 zip code, which is close to downtown as well, but on the Southern side of it. All those narrow streets in the Belvedere-Southern area, west of Dixie are pretty much safe and quiet, close to everything.

I would not consider western PBC but just because poster said $ 1,100 max and a house is preferred. Most of West PBC houses are bigger than average (or the lots might be) and I am not sure you can get in with $ 1,100.00
However an attempt could be made in Royal Palm Beach (33411) as it is close to all the shopping of Wellington without the price tag and it is a growing area. Also, easy to move around, now that Southern Blvd has become a sort of highway...

As for Lake Worth, although I would not buy there, I would consider renting as rentals are more affordable than other areas and Lake Worth (east) has become a pretty lively area in case you want to go out for a drink at night. Two pieces of advice for Lake Worth if looking to rent there: stay as close as possible to Lake Worth/Lucerne and as much east as you can (close to Dixie-US 1 or about up to 5-6 blocks west of it); second, if utilities are not included and they normally are not, ask to see the previous bills or make sure you rent a place where they use natural gas for the appliances. This because the electric bill in Lake Worth can be very steep, I am talking a few hundreds+ for a smal place. Good news is most of streets have access to natural gas (all those streets named with letters).

Good luck.
Oh, and Greenacres is not bad at all especially in the areas around intersection Forest Hill/Jog Rd. There are a few "Pine Ridge" communities that are well kept and reasonably price. And the area is well served (PUblix, Walgreens, Wal-mart are all within a 5 minute drive. Greenacres is working class, but definitely not what I consider a dangerous area at all. It's close to Wellington and the big Okeehelee Park (if you have kids/pets it's a nice place).

[Reedsmit]

"Sounds to me like some people talk more based on "heard saying" than on real experience. "


If you would like to check the information yourself see the following site:
http://spotcrime.com/fl/west+palm+beach

There have been 11 reported incidents such as burglaries, thefts and assaults on 45th, 5 more on Village, and 2 at Northpoint which is on the north side of 45th near Village; since Nov. 8th., 2009 that is 10 days.

This family is asking for information on where to move in the area, they have a five year old child.
I believe are asking for information on an area, because they want to know what they are getting into. You don't know these things by flying into town, seeing a few available places with a realtor.


Now if this family does not think this is significant than that is their choice. But they do have the right to know more than just an opinion.

[towhoe95]

You could try around Atlantic Ave. Atlantic HS is only 3 years old, and has the IB program. If you are looking to rent in Boca, the Gables is a very large rental community having quite a few properties, they begin at 1000 for a 2 bedroom, and Alot of them are running get a month or 2 free.

Also the rentals on gate way and jog, are also running the same type of promotion

[towhoe95]

Also as for the "crime" there is a signifigant amount in boca as well, mall killings last year, there has been a rapist around towne center that they have not been able to catch for 5-6 years. Used to work in the mall. I would not move to eastern lake worth, one adventure over there for me, and it seems to be very run down and does look like the ghetto. I live in west lake worth, 2 miles from 441 and its a very nice area. but still anywhre will have crime, even in the "elite" neighborhoods, I grew up in boca, they are far from boca. NOT TO MENTION the fear of being run over by the people that live in century village that should have had their licenses taken away 20 years ago. I saw a women pull out of there the other day, and turned right into oncoming traffic.

[sathlin]

It's funny how you can get completely different opinions on the exact same area.
I think it really comes down to having to just live in an area for a while and figuring it out for yourself.

I guess renting in a place everyone agrees on, and then while living there renting, you can take your time and learn the area and find a place you might like to live.
Might have to just deal with paying more for rent at first and figure things out later.

[Reedsmit]

Originally Posted by sathlin

It's funny how you can get completely different opinions on the exact same area.
I think it really comes down to having to just live in an area for a while and figuring it out for yourself.

I guess renting in a place everyone agrees on, and then while living there renting, you can take your time and learn the area and find a place you might like to live.
Might have to just deal with paying more for rent at first and figure things out later.

You are right sometimes it is not easy to tell about an area until you are there. However if you are observant, you may notice things that make you uncomfortable. Panhanders on the corners, houses that just aren't being maintained as they should be.

Frankly a drive through the area at night is going to give you a better picture than in the day time. It also will give you an idea to noise level from neighbors, often prospective residents are seeing a home or apartment in the day time, when people are working and children are in school.

If you really like a place, go back at night.